Simulation and experimental benchmarking of a proton pencil beam scanning nozzle model for development of MR-integrated proton therapy
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Background: MR-integrated proton therapy is under development. It consists of the unique challenge of integrating a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam line nozzle with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The magnetic interaction between these two components is deemed high risk as the MR images can be degraded if there is cross-talk during beam delivery and image acquisition. Purpose: To create and benchmark a self-consistent proton PBS nozzle model for empowering the next stages of MR-integrated proton therapy development, namely exploring and de-risking complete integrated prototype system designs including magnetic shielding of the PBS nozzle. Materials and Methods: Magnetic field (COMSOL (Formula presented.)) and radiation transport (Geant4) models of a proton PBS nozzle located at OncoRay (Dresden, Germany) were developed according to the manufacturers specifications. Geant4 simulations of the PBS process were performed by using magnetic field data generated by the COMSOL (Formula presented.) simulations. In total 315 spots were simulated which consisted of a (Formula presented.) scan pattern with 5 cm spot spacings and for proton energies of 70, 100, 150, 200, and 220 MeV. Analysis of the simulated deflection at the beam isocenter plane was performed to determine the self-consistency of the model. The magnetic fringe field from a sub selection of 24 of the 315 spot simulations were directly compared with high precision magnetometer measurements. These focused on the maximum scanning setting of (Formula presented.) 20 cm beam deflection as generated from the second scanning magnet in the PBS for a proton beam energy of 220 MeV. Locations along the beam line central axis (CAX) were measured at beam isocenter and downstream of 22, 47, 72, 97, and 122 cm. Horizontal off-axis positions were measured at 22 cm downstream of isocenter ((Formula presented.) 50, (Formula presented.) 100, and (Formula presented.) 150 cm from CAX). Results: The proton PBS simulations had good spatial agreement to the theoretical values in all 315 spots examined at the beam line isocenter plane (0–2.9 mm differences or within 1.5 % of the local spot deflection amount). Careful analysis of the experimental measurements were able to isolate the changes in magnetic fields due solely to the scanning magnet contribution, and showed 1.9 (Formula presented.) 1.2 (Formula presented.) –9.4 (Formula presented.) 1.2 (Formula presented.) changes over the range of measurement locations. Direct comparison with the equivalent simulations matched within the measurement apparatus and setup uncertainty in all but one measurement point. Conclusions: For the first time a robust, accurate and self-consistent model of a proton PBS nozzle assembly has been created and successfully benchmarked for the purposes of advancing MR-integrated proton therapy research. The model will enable confidence in further simulation based work on fully integrated designs including MRI scanners and PBS nozzle magnetic shielding in order to de-risk and realize the full potential of MR-integrated proton therapy.
Details
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 6196-6205 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Medical physics |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2024 |
| Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
| PubMed | 38949569 |
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Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- MRI guided, pencil beam scanning, proton therapy